By Finn McKenty
Of Mice and Men are the cover story for Issue 19 of Substream Music Press, but surprised many by parting ways with frontman Austin Carlile and bringing on Jerry Roush, the temporary vocalist on tour with the band. You can check out our interview with the guys and get their response to the lineup change in the print issue of Substream, on stands now.
But what about Austin's reaction?
We sat down with Austin to get his take on his departure from the band, his plans for the future and how he thinks the band will fare without him at the center. Check out the Q&A below:
Substream Music Press: You're no longer in Of Mice & Men. I don't know any of the gossip or anything other than what they told me in the interview, which is that they had to part ways because your health issues were getting in the way. What's your position?
Austin Carlile: Yeah, that's basically it. I had to stay off the tour because of health insurance stuff and finding a doctor, then a cardiologist, then a cardiac surgeon, just a bunch of stuff that took too much time. My consultation is in mid-May, then the actual surgery will be at the end of May or in June. Since I'm not in the band anymore, it's not like I'm in a big rush; even if I did the surgery in May, I'd still be out for a few months, which means I'd miss the current tour and also Warped Tour. So it doesn't really make a lot of sense for me to stay with that being the situation.
SMP: If I was in your shoes, I'd understand but I'm sure I'd also be pretty upset. How do you feel?
Austin Carlile: Um, I'm bummed out. I feel like it could have been better as far as the timing and that things happened the way they did. I wish I could have had everything done faster, gotten better, and everything could have been okay. From a business perspective, I see where they're coming from, but from a personal standpoint, I started the band from nothing, so it's kind of a bummer for both parties. They lost their lead singer and I lost the band I moved to California for, and put all my time, money and effort into. I moved to here because Tino and Phil were out here, and I figured it would just be best for me to move out here with them and write an album, so I packed myself up and moved out. It was a big sacrifice, but then again, every member made one in some way or anther.
SMP: On that note, what are your plans?
Austin Carlile: Well, my first priority is to get my health together. I'd rather have this taken care of now than have it get in the way with anything in the future. After I get the surgery I'll be out completely for a few months, but I'd like to do music again. I don't know exactly what I'm going to do, I've had offers already from people who want to do music and projects or whatever, but I'm not too sure. I have a couple of things up my sleeve. Right now though, my main focus is getting my health up to par, and focusing on my future. I'm alive, married, happy, and will be healthy, there's not much more I could really ask for.
SMP: It sounds like the band had talked about this with the label, management, booking agent, and other people. I don't want to put words in your mouth or anything, but do you feel ganged up on at all?
Austin Carlile: In a sense, yes, but at the same time, Rise Records had nothing to do with it. Craig at Rise told me he'd support me if I put a band together. When I talked to him, he was like, "Don't let this get you down-- you've done this before, and you can do it again." Missing the tour and having all the health stuff take so long makes it all understandable, but I kind of feel like it was my baby and now I have to give it up for adoption. I did the work of raising it and breastfeeding it, and then in the middle of the night I have to give it up to a family that can take better care of it than I can.
SMP: I know the album was a collaborative effort, but I also know that a lot of fans think of this as your band. How do you think your departure will affect them?
Austin Carlile: I don't know. With any band, usually when you think of them you think of the singer, but I don't think it will affect them too much. I mean, I left Attack Attack! and they're still doing their thing. If a band's fans are truly committed to the music, then it doesn't matter so much who's doing vocals. Fans will still follow Of Mice, and they'll still follow me and whatever I do next. As long as the vocalist they have replacing me can hold it down the same sound as I did, it shouldn't affect them. But if not, it will be a completely different sound and I'm sure to fans would be let down. As far as the album goes, we all did our part. No band is anyone's, there is no "I" in "TEAM." Tino wrote every drum line, and came up with parts he had wanted to always use. Phil and (ex-member) Jon, wrote all the guitar parts, and played any others we as a band would come up with. Shayley wrote all his singing parts, and added some studio flare. I was the guy who said "this sounds cool!" Or, "oh do this, I've always wanted a part like this!" That, plus the one who simply would scream into a mic and was called a front man.
SMP: OM&M told me they had no hard feelings on their end, that it was a business decision. Is the feeling mutual?
Austin Carlile: It's not a big deal. They can do their thing, I'll do mine. I'm not going to give up doing what I love. I'm really thankful for all the fans and people who have supported me. Everybody who's supported me since day one, I'm so grateful for them-- they care about the music, not the high school stuff that goes on. That's what matters.
Do you think Of Mice & Men made the right choice in bringing Roush on permanently? As a fan, have your opinions of the band changed now that Austin is no longer a part of it? Will people who have followed Austin from Attack Attack! sign on as a fan of whatever he chooses to do next? Leave a comment below with your thoughts.
Comments (16)
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Lame
said:
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... What a bunch of liars, we all saw all the drama that unfolded, No hard feelings? Jaxin himself said he would never talk to Austin again. Jaxin has shit talked Austin nonstop sense the departure. Even Jerry sits and makes fun of the bands lyrics, and doesn't bother learning them all. The band died the second they parted ways with Austin. |
Taylorr
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... I saw them live a sometime last year without ever hearing of them before the second they walked on the stage and I thought they were really good. I'm sure it won't be exactly the same without Austin, but as long as there's no major change in their sound, I'll still be a fan. Unlike some people, I don't care about a band just for their lead singer, I care about the whole band, and mostly the music. So, goodluck to OM&M  |
Kelsie Campbell
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... I'm Team Austin, its bullshit. Jaxin just jealous because Austin got married. They wouldn't be where they were without him. Austin was one of the sweetest guys I've ever met. I still like Shayley and Tino, but Jaxin is a jerk. Why the hell would Austin lie about being sick? Get a life. I love Of Mice and Men... but I don't know if I can support their next record. Because they aren't who they started out being, you don't ditch your friends. |
Matt of WTSF
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... WRONG MOVE. Austin was so good in that band, and I don't think that Jerry can hold up to him.  |
OMAM
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... I came across them when they only had 2 demos up on myspace, to be honest i will not see them the same, at least Jerry isnt as horrible live as Caleb Shomo(attack front man). With the whole Austin leaving situation i cannot really swing one way or the other in fact that i'm not in the band and i don't know what "really" went down and i take the health issue at face value. In a perfect world Austin would still be the lead screamer. Shayley's vocals are the best i have ever heard(besides Jonny Craig  ) |
Kaitlyn Lee
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... I've been supporting this band sense day one.. Not literally, but before Tino, Phil, Jon, and Shayley. During their "break-up" process i tried my hardest not to get involved in the drama; It was hard, really hard, but by doing so i find i have so much respect for the band, and Austin in making this decision. I have witnessed Austin collapse on stage after a performance. It was one of the scariest things any fan would ever see, and by Austin, and the band departing, no fan will ever have to witness such a scary situation. As a fan from the beginning i do, honestly think that by choosing Jerry as their, hopefully permanent front man could have been one of the best decisions resulting the departure. Jerry was great when performing on the Emptiness tour. He was no Austin, and he admitted it to everyone. But he also, (after denying to take a picture with me unless i actually knew who he was and what band he was previously in) admitted to me that music is a huge part in his life, and because he wasn't (at the time) a part of OM&M, and it wasn't his band, he had something to live up to while performing every night. He admitted to not knowing half the lyrics, but that didn't stop him from getting every kid in the crown to sing along and get rowdy. In my opinion, anyone who admits to every fault they make while performing with a smile on their face, and passion in their hearts deserves a chance. I am neither "Team Austin" or "Team Jerry/OM&M" I think picking sides over this is a ridiculous move. If you support the band, than you should have respect for both Austin and the band through this tough time. |
Tyler
said:
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... You can clearly hear the sound difference between Austin & Jerry, it's on Youtube Ak99Superstar's youtube, it's a Full Set. The last Song Jerry and Austin Played it, both of them Screaming. you could Clearly tell how Badly Jerry was out of place http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj2or42Cw6g | not sure if I'm allowed to advertise, but here it is. IT'S Completely the wrong sound for Jerry, some think they'll find the sound that of mice and men really need, i don't believe that. Because, If The band members didn't like the sound, they would have left. Welcome to The TEAM Shay-Leigh You've just become the Lead singer. To improve the vocals on this Bands Success. I love Jaxin & Austin, and it breaks my heart to see this, and seeing their little Arguments over Twitter, Breaks my heart. I'm a Fan on both Be-half's. Who knows? Maybe Austin will make it back to Om&m in time. Once, Om&m Sees how Jerry's Voice is more of a 'Heavy' Style voice, he came from a Nintendo-core Metal Band. And now He's joining a Post-Core / Hardcore Band, where's the sense in logic Of this situation? |
bobby goodwin
said:
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... hmmm... it all sounds a little too PC for me to completely believe. if this was the first band he parted ways with i'd have an easier time believing him. he's being smart ... if he's an angry jerk in the interview then no one will want to work with him in the future ... he said what he was supposed to say. i'm interviewing attack attack! this weekend for their substream feature appearing in issue 20, and i'll be sure to bring this topic up. look for their reaction to all of this drama when issue 20 come out mid-june. |
zak
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... jerry is a amzing vocalist but comes no were close to austin. carlile made that band from nothing i will still support om&m with out him but they will never be as good as they were whats tht bull shit from jaxin about no hard feelings he said he hates austin and always will but carliles gonna have a huge come back and when he does ill be right there to support him i wish him the best with his heart problem  |
c.j.
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... i am not taking any sides either that is stupid especially since austin is never coming back to OM&M. austins voice fits the band better but i just saw them July 24th on the warped tour and jerry has all the songs down pretty much so how they are on the album and it sounds great. Jaxin is really cool i met him walking around with a sandwich. Jerry is also very cool and puts on a great show, he knows how to interact with the crowd. i think they will do fine as a band without austin. |
Erin Mclees.
said:
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... I think that Jaxin is 2 faced because you should always be there for your friends no matter what, especially your best friends. I still sorda like Of Mice&Men. But its just not the same. I think Jerry is a slack ass. He didnt even bother learning the lyrics. And Jerry's voice and screams are way different from Austin's. Austin's voice and screams are very good, and jerry's just arent the same. I lost alot of respect for the band. And will always be for Austin |
B_down
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... ithink that they are wrong and they werent the band Austin was all that. sure they did there part trying to make it a band but it was all about austin so  |
Scott
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... So I first heard of Attack Attack! from a friend and was into post hardcore stuff already. Austin screams really got me into Attack Attack! because he can hold them fpr so fucking long!....and has his own unique sound as many talented front mans do. Anyways He got kicked out of Attack Attack! the OM&M formed! Amazing band! (While Austin was the front man) Jerry is a piece of shit who doesn't even know how to sing OM&M songs. He decided to diss Austin during a set when I watched them and literally I flicked him off and left. Why the fuck would you really make a fool out of yourself by dissing the finder of the band your a poser of? Okay so at first I didn't like him because he cant scream no where as good as the band need him to. After his little prick act I completely lost respect for the entire band cause even they could have been mature about it and said something. Anyways of mice & men is dead to me now. (A bunch of pricks) and Attack Attack! i really never cared for much anyways.....I will support Austin in whatever project he comes out with. Building OM&M from scratch is proof enough he has potential for an upcoming success. Fuck Jerry and the rest of OM&M! ill trow a bottle if they ever tour with any band thats worth going to see....LOL |
Trey D.
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... see in my opinion of mice and men didnt make the right choice in forcing austin carlile. austin was the founder, created the lyrics, and jerry didnt contribute to the band until touring came along and of mice and men is a good band i will admit that but without austin they will not be a very good band and after the vans warped tour i lost respect for jerry, when i attended warped tour of 2010 in shakopee minnesota during the song second and sebring jerry stopped with using the correct lyrics to the song and started yelling "this song is dedicated to austin carlile... austin carlile is a mother fucking pussy!" he repeated this around 3 times and there for i dont respect him anymore what so ever, with out austins amazing high screams, and long notes they are nothing jerry will not be a good asset to of mice and men in my opinion, so the way i see it they should have just had austin take a break from touring then come back to the band. but they forced him out so the way i see it austin should bring them to court since they are using his material - Trey |
jons0n
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... the band sounds entirely different without austin.. i don't like the change at all i wish he could go back to om&m. |
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